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Edinburgh Geological Society

Scientific society1

The Edinburgh Geological Society (EGS) was founded in 1834 in Edinburgh, Scotland, with the aim of stimulating public interest in geology and the advancement of geological knowledge. It was a time of debate and controversy surrounding the emerging science of geology and Edinburgh was one of the centres of this debate, which is why the Society is among the oldest of the Scottish scientific societies.2 It was founded by Alexander Rose.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1834Founded1
  • Industryhigher education1

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The Edinburgh Geological Society (EGS) was founded in 1834 in Edinburgh, Scotland, with the aim of stimulating public interest in geology and the advancement of geological knowledge. It was a time of debate and controversy surrounding the emerging science of geology and Edinburgh was one of the centres of this debate, which is why the Society is among the oldest of the Scottish scientific societies.2

The story

Founded by Alexander Rose in 1834.1

The Society was founded in 1834 by eleven students from the department of Geology and Mineralogy of Queen's College, Edinburgh. They met in Robertson's Tavern, Milne's Close, Edinburgh and resolved to start a geological society 'for discussion and mutual instruction'. At their first scientific meeting, they argued about the volcanic origin of Arthur's Seat in the heart of Edinburgh. They were all students of Alexander Rose and from then on they met in his house in Drummond Street. They elected John Castle as their first President but a few months later, Rose was elected President and remained in that post for 11 years.

Notable Presidents of the Society

1834–35: John Castle — student: first President

1835–46: Alexander Rose — lecturer at Queen's College, Edinburgh: 'father of the Society'

1863–65: David Page (geologist)

1874–89: David Milne-Home — Advocate, geologist and meteorologist: longest tenure as President

1908–10: Charles Clough — Geological Survey field geologist

1917-18: Thomas John Jehu — Regius Professor of Geology at the University of Edinburgh

From Wikipedia’s article on Edinburgh Geological Society, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3

Leadership

Who has led Edinburgh Geological Society, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Chair

  1. David Milne-Home1874–1908
  2. Charles Thomas Clough1908–1917
  3. Thomas John Jehu1917–now
197019801990200020102020

Timeline

  1. 1834Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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